Alright, so this is generally something that doesn’t matter to me, but still annoyed me greatly with this book – the cover. THE COVER DOES NOT SAY HISTORICAL ROMANCE – at all. In fact, it broadcasts contemporary, what with the highlights in the girl’s hair, its modern-esque layered cut, and her heavy eye-makeup which I am certain did not exist in the 1800s. Let’s face it, even the way they’re postured screams contemporary! So boo and hiss, Avon, for your idiotic cover. You normally do so well. However, let us not hold the cover against the author and her writing when there are so many good parts of this book. I mean, really, this book could’ve been covered in saran wrap and it wouldn’t have affected my reading experience.

So what was bad? The book was underwhelming, and a little disjointed – a series of photographs rather than a panorama view. The setting was poorly done, so I found myself floating around in the space of Petersen’s London without an anchor. I found myself watching dances at balls when there wasn’t clear context or reading about tea at random. To be honest, however, the floating effect was only a lingering annoyance – like a flying buzzing around while you watch TV. It definitely wasn’t overwhelmingly distracting, and I found, for the most part, I enjoyed the book and its scenes even though I had issues following the protagonist’s London life. The passage of time was also a problem in that it wasn’t marked clearly, but again it wasn’t overwhelming. However these were simply minor annoyances.

For most of the story, I found myself struggling with the humanity of our protagonists. I truly didn’t like Caleb at the beginning of the story – he was rude, selfish, and wallowing in self-pity. I didn’t particularly like Marah either, though I empathized with her and felt her pain, so I was less annoyed with her. I was worried about how much I could possibly enjoy the book – after all, if I don’t like either of the main characters can I really like the book? Yes, it turns out. Yes I can. What made this book so incredible is that Marah and Caleb made each other better. I liked them better together than apart. Marah helped Caleb become less selfish – more thoughtful and compassionate – and Caleb helped Marah stop hiding from herself, her family, and the world in general. Together, I grew to like them for their combined strength and it was a unique, touching approach to romance. I also found, as I reflected on the book, that I appreciated the human faults that Caleb and Marah have because while they made the romance less whimsical and more realistic.

The best part of this book, the part that really made it for me, was the happy ever after. Caleb’s considerate behavior showed he was finally focusing his energy on someone else and their needs, wants, and desires. He’d finally let go of his hurtful selfishness and I could really see his inner beauty. I was sold, during the happy ever after, and finished the book very confident that Caleb and Marah had many, many gloriously wonderful years ahead of them. I was also confident in the strength of their relationship – one thing that Petersen shows really well. Other positives worth mentioning are the well-written emotions, fun secondary characters, and really hot sex scenes. Overall, there was a lot of good in this book – but while it was good it wasn’t fabulous, and its underwhelming nature makes it a bit unmemorable. An ‘eh’ read.

Favorite quote:

Justin was on his feet in a moment and Caleb couldn’t help but stare. His normally dark and dangerous brother had just lit up like a candle glowed within him.

“Victoria,” Justin breathed…

“Sexy”ness rating: Really, exceptionally hot

Overall Rating: B-

Bottom Line: The book was enjoyable, but not great. Unmemorable with exceedingly annoying characters that somehow became less annoying together making for a wonderful HEA.

Avid Readers

2011 Reading/Reviewed Challenge

My Rating System

I grade on a scale of DNF (Did Not Finish) to A+. I also have OTR (other than romance) Recommendations. These do not get rated, but you would assume they're good because I'm recommending them.

A books are definitely worth your time. They're far above average in terms of plot, romance, writing style, and characters. These are books you don't want to miss.

B books are better than average. They might not be perfect, or books you'd want to read a billion times, and there might be a poorly done character or iffy writing skills. But these books are still worth your time.

C books are average. They're your run of the mill everyday kind of book. They aren't bad. It won't kill you to read them. But hey, when there's better books out there why pick these ones?

D books are below average. They aren't so bad as to be absolute, epic failures, and I could still struggle my way through them. They usually have one or two redeeming features, but the rest of the book is a flop. These are books to avoid.

F books are books you should never read. They're a failure in every way possible and it was by some miracle I was able to finish reading it to tell you how much it sucked.

DNF books are, plain and simple, books I could not finish for my revulsion. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!

About Me

Disclaiming? FTC Legal Stuff

Please note that ALL of the books/stories I have reviewed, I have purchased on my own or received free from the author, Romance Reviews Today, Goodreads, Giveaways, Sirens Song Reviews, Publishers, NetGalley, or The Season Blog for the purpose of honest reviewing or reading. I do not condone or promote the illegal distribution of reading material via stealing or any other illegal means now known or hereafter invented.

I also ascertain that my book reviews are honest, and I do not get any form of payment for reviewing these books, even if the books are given to me for free for the purpose of reviewing them by the author or publisher. My reviews are not influenced by receiving a free, or ARC, copy. Books received during a giveaway are treated the same way, and if they are reviewed receive an honest 'grilling and grade'.

My reviews are my opinion of the book reviewed. These opinions are mine and mine alone. They are not necessarily shared by the general public, publishers, or authors themselves. This blog contains solely my opinions on the words printed in each story.